What the Business World Can Teach the Church
We know the church is not a business, but according to the cover article of BusinessWeek (May 23, 2005), the church is becoming big business. According to the BusinessWeek article “the number of evangelical megachurches – defined as those that attract at least 2,000 weekly worshippers – has shot up to 880 from 50 in 1980” (Earthly Empires: How evangelical churches are borrowing from the business playbook - to find this article on the BusinessWeek site search for "Earthly Empires").
It appears the church is following the model of big business. Even though the church is not a business, there are certain fundamental characteristics that the church can learn from the business world (and some concepts that the church can teach the business world as well).
What the business world can teach the church:
1. Marketing and Branding
Businesses live and die on being able to communicate their message. One aspect that the mega church has learned from successful businesses is how to create a “brand” that is recognizable in the community. Willow Creek, for example, is a church which created “brand” awareness that has served them well over the years.
The smaller church needs to learn the important aspects of “branding” and marketing in order to be able to communicate their message successfully.
2. A Bottom Line Mentality
Companies must make a profit to stay in business. The bottom line is what drives decisions and choices in the business world. The church needs more of this type of thinking. Many churches participate in pointless activities that help neither her people nor the church.
Churches must learn to evaluate programs and use resources better to accomplish the mission that God has given them to do (their bottom line).
3. A Focus and Value on Leadership
Many churches are afraid of leadership, and neither value nor appreciate leaders. The church needs leaders and can look to the business world to learn how not only how to lead organizations but also how to successfully accomplish its mission and purpose. God called out great leaders to accomplish His great tasks.
The church must call forth her great leaders to lead the church into the 21st century and beyond.
4. The Importance of Vision for the Future
Most successful businesses have the ability to do strategic thinking about the future. They develop new products and are sensitive to changing trends of the culture. Ben Merold, a preacher and church growth leader, has often said, “Most churches don’t have any goals further than having church next Sunday.” This is sad, but true.
Churches need a strategic plan of how they can grow and develop in the years to come.
In the Business Week article Rick Warren states, “Our goal is not to turn the church into a business.” That is indeed true, but there are thing Rick and other pastors have learned and successfully implemented. Other churches and church organizations can learn from their example.
For a follow up to this article read Ken Gosnell's Blog article - "What the Church Can Teach Business".
Ken Gosnell is the lead pastor for a new church work in the DC Metro area. You can contact Ken at Kenspeaks@gmail.com
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